Safe Mothers Safe Babies Project

The Safe Mothers, Safe Babies project has been developed with the overall aim of improving identification and intervention approaches for women during pregnancy and the perinatal period at risk of, or experiencing, interpersonal violence. It is recognised that this is a significant problem and a major contributor to stress and anxiety during pregnancy with significant implications for both the mother, and, for foetal development and infant outcomes. The program includes both antenatal (MindBabyBody) and postnatal group (Parenting with Feeling) intervention programs.

The project led by the Director of the Centre for Women’s Mental Health and Professor of Psychiatry, Louise Newman is being funded by Liptember[1]/Chemist Warehouse and has also received $20,000 ‘seed funding’ from the Collier Foundation through the Royal Women’s Hospital Foundation. Stage 1 of this ongoing project started 1 August 2016.

[1] https://www.liptember.com.au/about 'Liptember is a campaign dedicated to educating the community on women's mental health whilst raising funds towards specific women's mental health research and support programs. Women are urged to purchase a Liptember lipstick from participating retailers and register online, gaining sponsorship for wearing the lipstick throughout the month of September. Funds raised during the month of September are donated directly to The Centre For Women's Mental Health and Lifeline Australia.'